Best Gift a Mom Can Give Herself? A Journal and Science Says So

We’ve always strived to provide a safe space for moms to freely express their thoughts, which is why we created #SPConfessions. Our readers seek advice from other moms but fear judgment, so we publish their thoughts anonymously and initiate a discussion. One confession, in particular, struck us:

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It might sound sad, yes, but for some moms, journals are also a safe space. Writing things down is a great stress buster, and there have been various studies about the mental and emotional benefits of keeping a journal.

For moms who need a "break" from parenting (and yes, we encourage you to take one!), even just 10 to 15 minutes with their journal can help center their emotions, clear their mind, and track their personal growth. It’s also a great tool to fuel creativity and inspire ideas.

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This Christmas, if there’s a gift you should give yourself, let it be a journal. Here are seven options.

1. Design Your Life Planner

If you want your creative juices to flow, this planner slash diary slash scrapbook might be for you. There are monthly overview pages and daily boxes that you can write in. For that added oomph, there are also fun stickers that you can use to mark your lists!

Helpful additions like a password tracker, recurring monthly to-do lists, a goal-setting spread, sleep tracker, and expense tracker make organizing your life easier. There’s also a separate cash flow spread so you can keep track of your finances, plus tabs for each productivity page so you don’t get lost. Buy it here for Php650.

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2. The Sunday Night Journal Volume 2

More than organizing your schedule, this journal is unique in the sense that it encourages you to look back on the week that was every Sunday night — what went well or what could have gone better. Afterward, you write down three things you’re grateful for, what you’re looking forward to, and what you want to accomplish in the following week.

On the left of each spread are thoughtful prompts that allow you to gain self-awareness and make mindful choices. Start the year right by answering the question: “What is my intention for the year? What do I want my life to be like at the end of the year?”, “What am I ready to let go?” and “What am I ready to welcome in my life?”

There are quarterly and yearly check-ins so you can further reflect on the things you’ve learned in the time that has passed and make adjustments for the succeeding months. Its creator, Aurora M. Suarez, hopes that with these prompts, the weekly self-care practice “will not only transform you and your life but will also make the people around you feel good.” Buy it here for Php699.

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3. The Daykeeper

There’s room for creativity on this planner’s unlined pages — for every spread there’s a weekly page and a blank page, so you can write down your gratitude list, put photographs, pressed flowers, or do letterings, and draw. There are also pages dedicated to your personal projects and goals for the year, complete with action steps on how you’ll make it happen.

Their signature prompt will also instantly brighten up your mood. “What made you smile today?” Buy it here for Php1,090.

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4. Woman, Create’s 365 Wonders 2019 Edition

Woman, Create, an organization that aims to empower women through art and design, releases annual editions of their 365 Wonders book, which also functions as a planner. For their 2019 edition, the focus is Feminism.

The book has interactive monthly activities, feminist letters, goal setting actions, Feminist Note pages, and ‘Confronting Sexist Thinking pages. If you want a planner that’s thought-provoking and filled with beautiful art, this planner might speak to you. Best of all, you’re helping impoverished children get access to free education — a portion of the planner’s sales is donated to Young Focus Philippines, the same organization that our current Miss Universe, Catriona Gray, supports. Buy it here for Php1,099.

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5. Belle De Jour Everything is Possible Planner

From its name, this planner wants to help turn your dreams into possibilities. The pages contain monthly motivational quotes and weekly mantras to encourage you to achieve success.

It has special pages that will help you stay on top of your goals, like the Ikigai, which in Japanese means “a reason for which you get up in the morning.” These pages have writing prompts to help uplift your spirits. There’s also a Vision Board — a blank spread where you can let your imagination run wild. Other pages include a timeline of goals, life achievements, a no-edit list, milestones, reward checklist, and a page for “things I’m grateful for.” Buy it here for Php520.

6. Filed! 2019 Keepsake Planner

If you’re going for a fun but classy look, this planner’s leatherette pastel covers might attract you. It has a dotted weekly layout for those exploring bullet journals and with a spacious monthly overview for other reminders. There’s also an expense tracker with a checklist and tabbed monthly dividers, as well as self-improvement activities like ‘12 months of minimalism’ and ‘Overcoming overwhelm.’ Best of all, it has alphabet stickers so you can create your own quotes! Buy it here for Php995.

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7. Kikki. K Lucky Stars Personal Planner

Pick this if you’re going for a cute but functional planner. It has monthly view pages so you can see all your tasks at one glance. It also has meeting pages and to-do pages for the capable working mom.

There are two card slots and an open pocket so you can bring it anywhere and stash your important papers and cards inside. It also comes with two notepads: ‘To Do’ and ‘Notes.’ There are pre-labeled and customizable sticker sheets, too! The planner is simple and no-frills but will help in organizing your life. Buy it in National Book Store for Php2,599.

Do you keep a journal? Snap a photo of a creative page and show us in the comments!